Several sightings reported, says city police

Several bear sightings have been reported in the Julie Lane area in western Newark, city police said in a press release Saturday evening.

The police did not provide any further information, but urged caution.

Black bear sightings in Delaware

May 2016: Bear sightings trigger alarm in northern New Castle County

May 2016: Residents ignore warnings and try to find a black bear in the Newark area

June 2017: Bear probably spotted in Newark, police say; sighting unconfirmed

December 2019: Police receive calls about black bear visiting North Wilmington

December 2019: Bear escapes capture and causes riot in Wilmington

December 2019: How a bear got into a Wilmington backyard

December 2019: Wilmington’s celebrity bear has disappeared, perhaps because he is angry about the uproar

June 2020: Residents of Pike Creek and Mill Creek report bear sightings

Are black bears dangerous? What to do if you see one in the wild

Black bear numbers are increasing in South Jersey. Will they come to Delaware next?

These tips come from the New Castle County Police Department and the state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control:

Lock your trash in a secure dumpster or leave it inside until pickup day. (If you keep it in your garage, close the garage door — bears aren’t afraid to wander into garages in search of treats.)
Store grill grates inside or keep them free of food debris.
Rinse garbage cans with ammonia to eliminate food odors.
Temporarily stop using compost heaps in the garden.
Temporarily remove birdhouses.
If you have animals: a. Keep pet food indoors and keep animals away from buildings and outside lighting. b. If you have an electric fence, make sure it is turned on to protect chicken coops, livestock pens, etc.

Make your baby aware of your presence by speaking loudly, singing, clapping your hands, or making other noises.
Make yourself appear as tall as possible by waving your arms. If you are with someone else, stand close together and raise your arms above your head.
When a bear stands on its hind legs or approaches, it may be trying to get a better view or detect scents in the air. This is not usually threatening behavior.
However, if the bear lets out a series of snorts, makes jaw-snapping noises, and thumps the ground, these are warning signs that you are too close. Black bears will sometimes feign an attack if cornered, threatened, or attempting to steal food. Stand your ground, avoid direct eye contact, and then back away slowly—don’t run away.
Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If a black bear attacks, defend yourself.
Contact the Division of Fish & Wildlife at 800-523-3336 to report the sighting.